Five individuals as unique as the event itself will judge the world’s best colt starters at horsemanship’s most prestigious event, Road to the Horse 2026, taking place March 19–22 in Lexington, Kentucky. By selecting individuals from varying backgrounds with diverse skill sets, experiences, and viewpoints, Road to the Horse ensures a dynamic and inclusive approach to judging. Every judge is open-minded, adaptable, and committed to considering all methodologies of horsemanship, resulting in a well-rounded evaluation process. Each judge is an expert in their discipline, bringing deep experience and a unique perspective to the panel. Placing emphasis on the ability to build a solid foundation, each judge carefully evaluates every step from beginning to end as competitors create connections with their colts. This year’s distinguished panel of judges includes Punk Carter, David O’Connor, Eric Hoffman, Jesse Westfall, and Jeff Williams.
Punk Carter
Punk Carter is a cutting horse industry icon and one of its most respected leaders. A past President of the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), he also served as an NCHA Director for more than 30 years and was inducted into the NCHA Members’ Hall of Fame in 2002. Punk has appeared in national television and magazine advertisements for NCHA, Strongid, and other products he endorses or has created, including his own barbecue sauce. Cutting is a true family tradition for Punk, with six generations involved. Punk credits his father, John Carter (NCHA Riders Hall of Fame, NCHA AAA Judge) as a major mentor; his brother, Roy, and daughter, Caimey, are also successful cutting horse trainers.
David O’Connor
David O’Connor represented the United States in three-day eventing at the highest level, competing in two Olympic Games. He earned team silver at the 1996 Summer Olympics, followed by individual gold and team bronze at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He won individual silver and team gold at the 1999 Pan American Games and helped lead the U.S. team to gold at the 2002 World Equestrian Games. After retiring from competition in 2004, David moved into top coaching positions for the U.S. and Canadian national eventing teams and served as President of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) from 2004 to 2012. He was inducted into the United States Eventing Association’s Hall of Fame in 2009, with two of his horses also honored. In 2022, he was appointed Chief of Sport for the USEF. He and his wife, international eventing rider Karen O’Connor, operate two equestrian training facilities in the eastern United States.
Eric Hoffmann
Eric Hoffmann is the Director of Horsemanship Education and Head Horsemanship Instructor at the Montana Center for Horsemanship and the University of Montana Western (UMW), where he has taught since 2008. He holds an A.A.S. in Equine Management and Training, along with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Agricultural Education. Eric has served on the Ranching Heritage Committee for the American Quarter Horse Association and is deeply committed to educating the next generation of horsemen. He coached the UMW Colt Starting Team to championships at the Road to the Horse Days of ’47 Colt Starting Competition in 2021 and at the Road to the Horse Idaho Collegiate Colt Starting competitions in 2023 and 2024.
Jesse Westfall
Jesse Westfall lives in Wilmore, Kentucky, where he has served as Trainer in Residence at Asbury University for 11 years. He teaches colt starting, western performance, liberty, and police horse training, overseeing the starting of approximately 20 horses each year, with police horses placed throughout the United States and Canada. Jesse served as a National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) judge for 14 years, officiating shows in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. His students have earned Champion and Reserve Championships at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, along with multiple titles in reining and liberty competitions. Jesse is also a two-time Reserve Champion at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and has bred horses that have earned 11 Congress Championships.
Jeff Williams
Jeff Williams has been starting colts for more than 40 years for longtime clients including Haythorn Land & Cattle Co., King Ranch, Beggs Cattle Company, Matador Ranch, Espuela Ranch, and the Muleshoe Ranch. The colts he starts consistently bring top bids at prestigious ranch horse sales. Jeff is also a Ranch Horse Association of America event judge and is widely respected for his lifelong understanding of the foundation required for long-term success. Jeff is a veteran Road to the Horse judge who brings a wealth of experience to the judging panel.
The Wild Card Challenge features four talented horsemen and horsewomen: Jason Irwin (CAN), Sadie Fisher (USA), Tiffany McLaury (USA), and Rob Leach (AUST). The World Championship competitor lineup includes Elisa Wallace (USA), Nick Dowers (USA), and Ryan Rose (USA). A total of four competitors will vie for the world title and $135,000 in prize money.
Road to the Horse 2026 takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park from March 19-22. Tickets are available here or by calling 800-514-3849. Follow Road to the Horse across social media platforms for the latest information.
